Which Items Need to be Stored in a Climate-Controlled Unit?

July 12, 2017

How do you know when you need climate control?

When you’re determining which self-storage unit to rent from us here at Store It Right & U-Haul, you have many options at your disposal, one of the most popular of which is climate-controlled storage. In fact, we have over 500 units that are climate controlled, and you’ll have a variety of sizes to choose from. Climate control helps to prevent mildew, mold and damage caused by extreme shifts in the temperature. These storage units are also designed to reduce airborne particles, like pollen and dust. But how do you know if you really need a climate-controlled unit? Here is a list of items that you should always store in climate-controlled storage:

#1. Leather Furniture

There’s nothing quite as beautiful as leather furniture, and to keep your leather furniture looking beautiful for as long as possible, it’s important to always store it in a climate-controlled unit. Leather is incredibly sensitive to even minor shifts in temperature, and your furniture can also start to grow mildew and get discolored if it’s exposed to moisture. Climate control helps to address both of these issues.

#2. Appliances

Have you recently upgraded to a new washing machine, dishwasher or refrigerator? If so, don’t make the mistake of storing your appliances in a storage unit that isn’t climate controlled. When you leave your appliances exposed to shifts in temperature, as well as all of the moisture prevalent in non-climate-controlled units, the mechanical parts inside of those appliances can start to rust and crack, causing permanent damage. Additionally, many appliances utilize water to run, and although you should completely empty and dry your appliances before storing them, you’ll get added protection against mold and mildew if you store them in a climate-controlled unit.

#3. Wooden Furniture

No matter what wooden furniture you are looking to store, whether it’s a bed frame, nightstand, table, chairs or anything else, don’t take the risk by storing it in a unit that isn’t climate controlled. If your wooden furniture is exposed to enough moisture, it can start to warp, crack or even rot. Climate control does more than just control the temperature in your storage unit; it controls the humidity levels, which is key for protecting your wooden furniture.

#4. Artwork

Artwork, whether it was made by a famous artist or your six-year-old, is incredibly valuable for different reasons, and when you store your artwork, you need to take special precautions in order to keep it safe. Climate-controlled storage is a must for artwork because it needs to be stored in an environment with a consistent temperature and humidity level. Even if you take extra steps to protect your artwork by keeping it in diameter tubes or a filing cabinet, controlling the climate is key.

Although not every item needs to be stored in a climate-controlled unit, there are many items that can be compromised when exposed to excess humidity or extreme temperature shifts. Stay tuned for our next blog to learn more items that need climate-controlled storage, and contact us today to book your unit in Charlottesville.